Read “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” and answer the following questions.
1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?
The object that symbolizes George Gray’s life is the boat at rest in the harbor. It represents him because he didn’t pursue his desires. He is like the boat that didn’t fulfill its purpose of sailing. He hungered for meaning, and feared going out and achieving his ambitions, like the boat that yearned for the sea. The boat must lift its sail and sail or its purpose would have no meaning. We, too, must fulfill our purpose and put meaning into our life.
2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interepret the last line of the poem?
Lucinda’s life and George’s life were different because Lucinda took the risk to change her life. She didn’t mope around longing for destiny, like George. She was anything but the boat longing for the sea. Lucinda did everything she could to make life worth living. She lived her life without regret and took every opportunity she was offered. The last line of the poem means that in order to love life itself, one must take every opportunity and live life to its fullest extent. You can’t love something that you don’t know or haven’t experienced.
3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?
They are both examples of realism because they show how a lot of human beings feel. They stay true to human thought and emotion. They are examples of the average lives of average people. “Lucinda Matlock” describes Lucinda’s everyday activities. Many people don’t achieve their ambitions, like George. The description of their everyday lives, activities, and thoughts stay true to realism in literature.
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